According to Sacred Heart Athletics, on Oct. 28, Sacred Heart University announced it would not permit fans at any of the home games until further notice.
“We’re following the guidelines that the state put out in terms of the number of people who are safely allowed at indoor gatherings,” said Michael Smoose, Director of Athletic Communications & Marketing.
Sports around the world have been affected by COVID-19 and have had to adapt to this situation. Colleges cannot afford to put their athletes into a bubble like several professional sports have.
“I think that it is going to be different and the gym is going to be more silent, but I would be fine with it regardless because I understand how important it is for our safety if we really want to continue to have a season,” said sophomore women’s basketball guard Marie Laeticia-Ziba.
Sacred Heart will be broadcasting every home game so that fans can watch their favorite teams play. Links to these games will be posted on sacredheartpioneers.com.
“I was very excited to hear that home games would be broadcasted to watch online,” said junior Matt Tolomeo. “I hope that this is something they do more in the future for those who cannot make the games even when fans are allowed back.”
Smoose mentioned that he and his team are trying to create an atmosphere for Sacred Heart teams so that it is as close to what they would have if fans were present.
“We are working with a company to have the cutouts and we should have an announcement on that soon,” said Smoose.
Being able to play in front of fans rooting for the home team and playing on their home court makes players more comfortable.
“Playing in your home rink brings a sense of familiarity and confidence that can boost the way you play,” said junior women’s hockey defensive player Kelly Solak. “Going to different arenas to play can be quite intimidating and can mess with your head sometimes, but usually this is because of the fans.”
Laeticia-Ziba also mentioned that home games matter because they give a sense of comfort by being at their home gym.
“At the end of the day, basketball is basketball, and it is all about putting the ball in the net,” said Laeticia-Ziba.
While there will be no fans allowed at games, this does not necessarily mean that there will not be the same feel to games or that players will mentally prepare differently for games.
“I think you would prepare the same way that you prepare for games with fans. With the COVID-19 pandemic, you never know when your last day on the ice will be as our season can really be stopped at any time because this virus is so unpredictable,” said Solak. “I think the energy on the ice from anticipation and excitement to play since we have not in so long will make it feel like a regular season game.”
Fans are staying positive, hoping they can get back to watching these teams play like they used to. Smoose and his team are working with the university as well as health officials to monitor the situation.
